Toyota A-BAT

Toyota unveiled the A-BAT Concept in January at the Detroit Auto Show. And shortly after it was rumored the concept will see production. Now it seems that the company is a step closer to producing the audaciously styled A-BAT concept pickup truck: "This is a common next step in evaluating cost parameters on promising concepts, but it does not imply a commitment to it yet," said a senior Toyota executive.

Supplier queries were sent for both a four-cylinder and hybrid-powered version of the truck, said Mike Levine.

Although the platform architecture is still unknown, the A-BAT would be car-based, rather than use a body-on-frame structure.

Toyota is taking under consideration a small truck that would fit underneath the existing Tacoma pickup truck. Depending on people’s reaction, the A-BAT Concept, unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, might serve as as the model for a new smaller truck.

The Toyota concept hybrid truck, which offers improved fuel economy and lower emissions, comes with a distinctive un-truck-like profile that has already reminded a lot of observers of Chevrolet’s old El Caminos from the 1970s.

The A-BAT isn’t exactly an old-school-style truck. It is built on unibody like a car for improved handling and a smoother ride. It also features wireless Internet, a portable battery pack stowed in the center console and a solar panels on top of instrument panel which captures sunlight and converts it to energy used to charge up the navigation system.

The four-passenger A-BAT also features a relatively short, four-foot bed and a bed extender to handle the ubiquitous six-foot long sheet of plywood beyond the tailgate as well as a translucent roof panel, which slides open to allow for tall cargo inside the cab.